Dog aggression may not be an easy problem to solve. It takes a lot of hard work. But it many cases dog aggression can be both treated andmanaged.
The Behavior Clinic who sees a great many of aggressive dogs at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (VHUP) has a very high success rate with great improvement in more than 75% of all aggressive animals; 90% of aggressive patients improve to the extent that the owners are happy to keep them. (Note: there are some trainers/behaviorists that will make a similar claim, but can not substantiate it.)
Treatment and management can address three main areas:
1. The behavioral environment
Through behavior modification, retraining, or relearning programs you can change how your dog responds to events. These programs offer a systematic approach to changing your dog’s behavior. This can include some easy to implement practices to teach your dog to sit, and look to you for cues on what he should be doing next, to relaxation protocols. Active Behavior Modification is built on this foundation to enable you to then work with your dog to reduce his or her anxiety that leads to the aggression. Learn more about how to change your dog’s behavior
2. The environment the dog lives in
This includes changes around the home or different choices out of the home. This might include a change in diet, or where you walk your dog for exercise or how you greet guests in the home. Most important it involves preventiing your dog to further behave aggressively, as each time your dog has the opportunity to behave aggressively, his brain becomes more and more stronger at prompting those reactions. Learn more about changing the environment your dog lives in
3. The pharmaceutical environment
Some dogs may need medication in order for behavior modification take effect. Despite owners best efforts, some dogs are simply far too anxious to be able to learn properly. Medications might help these dogs to think more normally and can help them learn better. Learn more about medications used for treating dog aggression
Complying with Treatment
Owner compliance to the right treatment program and the extent of the effort is the single most important factor contributing to the success of rehabilitating an aggressive dog [1], although the extent to which the dog is aggressive and can be rehabilitated varies on the dog.
However it is common for owners to become discouraged. Some consider euthanasia, other rehoming. But finding a good professional who can help as well as getting support is one of the best ways to keep your dog training and treatment going.
Learn more about what influences success in treating dog aggression.
Other articles you might be interested in
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How to maximise success in treating your aggressive dog
References
[1] Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behavior, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, Mosby, Inc. 1997